I actually think boutique is still alive and well because of one thing...access. One of the cool things that all boutique manufacturers know and realize is that in order to create buzz, you need to get your face out there and talk with not only the shops, but also the consumers. Over the past year, I've had lots of opportunities to ask questions and discuss lots of cigar geek stuff with heads of the boutique brand. I may not have met them face to face, but I've had my questions answered and had interactions where I feel more buy in to their brand because I feel like they are willing to share so I can learn from the information they already know.

The only "big" company that still allows access is Jonathan Drew. He's always got his face out there and I think that's why people still smoke his stuff. But in general, how many people have talked with the CEO or the blender of the bigger companies?